36. The priests went into the courtyard and stood facing the altar and the Temple. They started weeping and prayed,
37. “Lord, you chose this Temple to bear your name and to be a place of prayer and intercession for your people.
38. Now, take vengeance on this man and his army; let them die in battle. Remember how they spoke evil of you, and let none of them survive.”
39. Nicanor left Jerusalem and set up his headquarters at Beth Horon, where the Syrian army joined him.
40. Meanwhile, Judas set up camp at Adasa with 3,000 men. There Judas prayed,
41. “Lord, the Scriptures tell us that when a king sent messengers to insult you, your angel went out and killed 185,000 of his soldiers.
42. Now, in the same way, crush this army before us today and let everyone know that Nicanor is being punished because he insulted your holy Temple. Punish him as his wickedness deserves.”